As we dip our toes gingerly into the fresh waters of 2010, we have to admit it's a refreshing change. The new year even has a snappy nickname, twenty-ten, that adds to its coolness. All of the bad memories of the dismal clunker that was 2009 have receded, and what we have before us is a big, blue, inviting new expanse of time to play in, float on and swim around.

At least, that's how I see it.

So I don't think the new year should be welcomed with a lot of strict guidelines or self-imposed regulations about our diets, level of physical activity or commitments to future accomplishments. In these days after celebrations with families and friends, we shouldn't tighten up or rein in - we should loosen up and let go.

Understandably, some of you may be thinking my suggestion is frivolous and immature, a sophomoric, Pollyanna plan. With the economy, unemployment, international conflicts and state of the environment, surely 2010 is the time to buckle down, focus and get to work.

But I think I have learned the secret to life: Good things happen to happy people. People with an upbeat attitude somehow make buckling down, focusing and getting to work palatable instead of painful. It just stands to reason that if you indulge yourself with a dose of happiness, you'll affect those around you. Suddenly the world becomes a place of possibility instead of disappointment.

So why not kick-start 2010 with some unbridled joy, and see what happens? It's probably been a while since you've had any impromptu fun, so I've come up with a list of resolutions for your day - today, Jan. 3, 2010. Try a few of my Top 10 happiness exercises and see if they don't change your mood - and your world.

1) Consciously smile. Before you order your morning coffee, pick up your shirts at the cleaners or review someone's proposal, just flash the international symbol of face joy for a second.

2) Wear something brightly colored, even if it doesn't match your ensemble. If anyone comments on your ridiculous lime-green socks or fuchsia belt, just say you were hoping someone would notice, and repeat No. 1.

3) Make cupcakes. Or at least eat one. Muffins don't count. If you insist on a low-fat alternative, try Jell-O Jigglers for a laugh.

4) Treat yourself to some time on your own doing something - anything - you enjoy, whether it's a round of solitaire on the computer, a chapter of a good book, a walk around the block or a 15-minute getaway on the Food Network.

5) Listen to a couple of songs that remind you of good times while you go about more mundane tasks such as commuting or cleaning the litter box. May I recommend Tom Petty's "Learning to fly," the Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive" or the soundtrack to the TV series "Glee"?

6) Take a magic marker to the latest issue of "People" and embellish celebrities with unwanted facial hair, inappropriate tattoos and excessive piercings.

7) Give a sincere compliment to someone you don't know. Come on, you can do it.

8) Put a dollar in the next "tip" cup you encounter.

9) Write a note or an e-mail of heartfelt congratulations, thanks or encouragement to someone you think deserves it.

10) Put on your comfortable, favorite old pants and make a plan to sit around with some comfortable, favorite old friends.

I've compiled quite a few more absurd yet constructive happiness-starters on my blog, in case any of these don't appeal to you. I urge you to try a few. Because I happen to believe that if everyone begins this new decade with a positive attitude, we might just end up improving our diets, increasing our level of physical activity and committing to future accomplishments.

That's serendipity for you. Which, ironically, means "happy accident."